Bookfool's Photoblog
Crazy humans keep pointing at me
Posted by Bookfool (Mississippi, United States) on 11 November 2008 in Animal & Insect.
Really, I think he just wanted to take a nap. An orangutan at the Jackson Zoo in Mississippi.
@djedfre: Thank you and thanks for visiting my blog! :)
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
sorry don't mean to go on about the cage, I've said it once, and it should be enough, but it tears at me, so much...still beautiful photo :)
11 Nov 2008 7:38am
@Lorraine: That's okay, Lorraine! He does have a sad look in his eyes, in this particular photo. I love the orangutans and have some really funny older photos of them. One of my first orangutan photos was a pic of one with a paper bag on his head. They're loads of fun to watch when they're in a playful mood; and they don't always look unhappy.
Earnest from Oklahoma, United States
Quite a handsome fellow. Sometimes I can hardly stand to look at these captive animals because I see a spark of intelligence in their eyes and empathize with their plight. Often I see depressed resignation...
11 Nov 2008 12:45pm
@Earnest: I'd call him handsome in an ugly way, but yep. They have soulful eyes and they're obviously intelligent. You can see it in the way they watch you. I love observing the orangutans because they're often quite playful. He was kind of sleepy, though, that day.
peter from new york, United States
haha what a great portrait! you captured a great look in his eyes. nicely done!
11 Nov 2008 4:17pm
@peter: Thank you, Peter!
*Rich* from Stafford, United Kingdom
They are great photos, regardless of whether you agree with zoos or not.
Hope you have quite a few to show. :o)
11 Nov 2008 4:21pm
@*Rich*: Thanks, Rich. I do love the zoo, although I understand both perspectives because I'm an animal lover.
That trip to the zoo was just a practice session with the new lens and we didn't stay for long, so I think I've only got a couple left that I consider worth posting. Thanks for that!
Pixim from Nice, France
Very beautiful portrait, of an animal often more human than it does not appear to us Bravo ;)
11 Nov 2008 7:01pm
@Pixim: Thank you! I think you're right; they're much more intelligent and similar to humans than we often give them credit for. :)
jamesy from christchurch, New Zealand
Fantastic shot Nancy. Although I must say he has quite a resigned expression on his face
11 Nov 2008 7:36pm
@jamesy: Thanks, Debbie! He does look sad, but I think it's mostly because he was tired and people were disturbing his nap. The wife was curled up behind him and they were looking really sleepy.
Les from Lincoln, United States
Excellent shot, Nancy. Wouldn't you just love to know what he's thinking. Probably something along the lines of, "Man, there's never anything good on tv during the middle of the day!" or "Thank God the election's finally over!!" :)
11 Nov 2008 10:51pm
@Les: I really think he just wanted everyone to go away so he could sleep. It's funny, though, that look in his eyes is so deep. You do have to wonder!
Miss Ruthie from United States
What a Cutie!...I love going to the Zoo's great shot! But thank God for Our Zoom Lenses... I don't think I'd get too close to this fella.....keep up the good work!
12 Nov 2008 4:37am
@Miss Ruthie: Isn't he sweet? I love the zoo, too. I can't wait till they finish building our new big cat exhibit, so they can have more room. Not so sure I'd like to get up close to this guy, either, but they sure seem friendly. They are, however, rather large. :)
Kris from St. Louis, United States
I love this photo! Have you made this one into a bookmark yet? wonder if it would make a good bookmark?
14 Nov 2008 4:50pm
@Kris: Hi Kris! Nope, I haven't made him into a bookmark. In general, the photos I turn into bookmarks are suited to them because you can cut them long and narrow without damaging the subject matter, so he probably wouldn't work (unless you have a hankering for a slice of orangutan with focus on eyeball sticking out of your book, LOL).
Sony DSLR-A700
1/250 second
F/8.0
ISO 800
750 mm (35mm equiv.)